INITIATIVES under the Payung Rahmah programme, which was introduced in the 2023 Budget, are a welcome opportunity for businesses to give back to the community and the country.
Committed to assisting the people, business owners say their decision to participate in the programme was patriotic and gave them a sense of pride.
Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association (Presma) president Datuk Jawahar Ali Taib Khan said he felt that offering the MenuRahmah in his restaurants across Klang Valley was a chance to do sadaqah jariah (continuous charity).
"For me, it's more of doing corporate social responsibility (CSR) to help our customers and the community.
"If you ask me if we make much profit by doing this, to be frank, we do not. As a Muslim, this is more to sadaqah jariah, and I am happy to be able to help customers who need it."
He said at three of his outlets in Putrajaya, he noticed that the demand for Menu Rahmah was much higher in the second and third week of the month.
His restaurants serve rice, vegetables and a choice of fish or chicken, along with a drink for RM5.
"We give the same portion on the same kind of plate. There is no difference from those paying full price.
"The chicken or fish we serve is not smaller. We do not compromise on quality or quantity, even though we are selling this at a cheaper price," he told the New Straits Times.
Since introducing Menu Rahmah, more people have been patronising his restaurants.
"My sales are getting better... not because I sell a plate for RM5, but because I am offering this to customers, and more people come to support my business for doing a good deed.
"That is why I believe that what you give, you will get back and it will multiply. It is best when you help people who need it, especially with food and drink," he added.
Jawahar said more businesses should participate in the programme as it was a chance to give back to the country, the government and the people.
Meanwhile, KK Supermart founder Datuk Seri Dr K.K. Chai praised the government for introducing such initiatives to help not only those in the bottom 40 (B40) category, but also the middle 40 income group who were affected by the increasing cost of living.
When the programme was introduced, he said he did not hesitate to participate and was eager to apply.
"We chose to participate in the Jualan Rahmah programme as it was fitting with our brand background."
The items on sale under the Jualan Rahmah programme, he added, would differ each month to provide customers with a wider range of products.
"In the earlier phase, we offered frozen items, bread and Covid-19 self- test kits. The following month we offered more than 60 personal care stock items with discounts from 16 per cent to 58 per cent.
"After that, we included dry food and laundry products, with some selected items discounted at 66 per cent."
Chai joined the programme to enable the public to have more choices when buying their daily necessities.
KK Supermart has over 700 outlets in various parts of the country, including in strategic locations such as residential areas, commercial areas, near hospitals and universities.
This, he said, would allow the surrounding community to obtain their items easily.
"We also want to do more CSR activities, and are always looking for more ways to diversify our initiatives to help the people.
"So apart from participating in Jualan Rahmah, we are also participating in the Bakul Rahmah programme, where baskets or boxes filled with food items will be donated to those in need."
Based on outlet data, he had seen an increase in the number of customers between March and May this year, showing a positive impact on his business.
Some products had seen an increase in sales from 11 per cent to 39 per cent.
However, Chai said while the Payung Rahmah programme has benefited the targeted groups, the government should introduce a more cohesive initiative to ensure that these groups do not remain in the B40 category.
"The government needs to guide them out of their cocoons and provide them with the opportunities to improve their standards of living."
Through the 2023 Budget, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry introduced the Payung Rahmah programme earlier this year to reduce the cost of living for the B40 and hardcore poor.
Apart from food items and groceries, those in need can also get clothing and eyewear at affordable prices.